Thanks all for your advice! Seems like there’s a wide range of prenatals out there that should (hopefully) get the job done. And it’s been great hearing about others’ suggested to-do’s and what’s worked for you!

A few more questions on the vitamin front:

1) Is it possible to “overdo” folate? That is, is it okay to supplement a current vitamin with more folate, just to ensure I cover my bases?

2) Should I be taking fish oil in addition to the vitamins?

3) Is it okay to start taking the vitamins now, even if we decide to not try until, say, this summer? Is there any deteriment to taking this regularly without being pregnant?

When we first considered TTC I took the Rainbow Lite ones and I really liked them. Sadly, once I became pregnant I couldn’t tolerate swallowing pills – so started taking gummy cheapies from Target. OB said it was fine.

I only met with my OB about possibly getting pregnant. Didn’t talk to my GP.

I used cheapy OPKS off Amazon. Used them one month – never had a positive. Still got pregnant after 3 months of trying.

I lost a ton of weight before I became pregnant – I’m glad I did!

I did not cut out caffeine when TCC or anything else really. I’m 28w and still drink it.

I took a DHA suppliment in conjunction with my prenatal.

A prenatal is just a multi-vitamin, essentially. I’ve known people who have taken them for years because of the added benefit for hair and nail growth. They aren’t going to hurt you in any way – negatively.

We are TTC right now (since July) and I’ve been taking pre-natals since June. During my first pregnancy I took the Vitavusion prenatal gummies and a chewable iron tablet because I personally don’t like to swallow pills. This time I’m taking the Smarty Pants brand prenatals that are also gummies. Not taking iron right now unless the doctor recommends it once I actually get preggos.

ehmmgee : I don’t have the best advice as I’m in the same situation as you!

We will be TTC in the new year. I just purchased a cheap prenatal (Centrum + DHA) for the first 2 months, since there is a 2 month supply. The thing I have found is some of the more expensive ones you have to take two times a day, making them even more expensive! Closer to actual TTC I will likely switch to a higher quality prenatal, but I have not chosen yet.

I have not ordered ovulation tests yet, but I think I will order Wondfos from Amazon and if we’re not pregnant within a few months maybe switch to something more reliable.

I will also be ordering preseed, can’t hurt!

Other than that, just getting finances in order, getting dental work done and trying to resist going into the baby aisle at the stores!

I”m in the same situation as you. We will be TTCing Dec onward. GP put me on folic acid. She said I didn’t need anything more. I’m trying to get my diet in order – eating healthy and upping my water intake as well. I read in “The Impatient Women’s Guide to Getting Pregnant” that you are what you eat 3 months before. So easy to stay motivated when you have pregnancy in mind. I’m trying to lose a little weight as well.

I’m temping and using OPKs. This is my first month so not sure how I’ll go with finding my O day.

Any old prenatals will do, and there’s nothing wrong with starting them early; in fact doctors usually recommend that you start taking prenatals well before getting pregnant. If your vitamin already cotains folate, I would not supplement with more. There is such a thing as too much…

Fish oil is not one of the things that is specifically recommended for pregnancy, at leeast not that any doctor has ever told me. So, take it if you want it.

I don’t see a need for you to go back to your OB/GYN…you’ll be going plenty once you get pregnant.

No need to cut out caffeine. As everyone has said, 200 mg/day is considered the safe amount.